I have been slowly amassing information on all branches of my family tree for several years. It's been an interesting journey and I've learned a great deal about genealogy, record keeping, history, etc. To me, it's the journey not the destination, so to speak, that captures my imagination and attention. I love hearing about everyday ordinary stories about everyday ordinary folks. I'm not in this to figure out if I'm related to Peter the Great (sorry dad, haven't verified that one yet!?) or a distant cousin of one of the Jonas Brothers. I'm especially keen to learn more about my brave immigrant ancestors who defied all odds and made a new life in a strange, new world.

My husband's family (Morehouse) has a claim to fame in their lineage. It would seem that several Morehouse families arrived in New Brunswick at the close of the American Revolutionary War. In particular, Daniel Morehouse, seems to be the ancestor from whence my husband's family sprang. With a click of a mouse button I can suddenly add 6 generations to my husband's family tree, culminating in a famous local figure -- an American Loyalist. At the Kings Landing Historical Settlement (near Fredericton, my husband's hometown) there is even a Morehouse house. How fortuitous that I can fill in some more branches in my family tree. But alas, it's only the Morehouse side. Further digging will flesh out the other sides, particularly the maternal lines.

As is so often the case it isn't always easy or even possible to find out information about women throughout history (unless they've done something very naughty!?) Regrettably, records usually only pay attention to the males. But every now and then I am lucky enough to find snippets of a female family member. For example, my great-grandmother, Amelia Bolt, was a mini land tycoon. She bought and sold property (in her own name) at a dizzying rate, making a neat little profit. By the time of her death in 1949 she was able to leave each of her 8 children a parcel of land in or near London, Ontario. She was also pretty ballsy. I found a court case where she sued her neighbour for putting his driveway (on his land) too close to one of her houses. And she won!

Another great-grandmother, Anna Zaranek, an orphan at age 18 in England, braved a dangerous voyage across the sea, fending off unscrupulous people. She made her way across the border to Canada where her two brothers had settled a few years previously. And amazingly, she arrived in London, Ontario in 1906 with all her worldly possessions that she set out with -- including an antique rocking chair that sits in front of me as I type this. I have an amazing amount of admiration for these brave ladies. Is it any wonder that I look to my family tree for baby name inspiration?

So while it is great to find a serendipitous site that fills in many missing details, I see this mainly as new branches that I can use as jumping-off points to find even more relatives. And hopefully to find some more brash and sassy females in the bunch!

My husband and I travel to New Brunswick to visit family every few months. We travel east along highway 20.

Each time we take the route between Quebec City and Riviere-du-Loup I am struck by how everything must have looked to my great-grandfather as his ship made its way into the Port of Quebec. Did he marvel at the beautiful coastline on both sides of the mighty St. Lawrence river? Did he appreciate the MILES of evergreen trees and the villages and old churches. (I keep meaning to take pictures along the way, but with a 16 hour drive I just want to get where I'm going!?)

Did he wonder if his descendants would see what he'd seen? Did he wonder if he was making a terrible mistake and maybe he should just get back on the ship and go home? Was he thinking about the subsequent generations of his family? Did he immigrate to make a better life for himself and his family?

If he ever wondered if his sacrifice of leaving his home country was worth it to make his children's children's lives better, he can wonder no more... Gido, I love this country and I'm forever glad you came.

Obviously the English names (Gilmore and Bolt) have been the easiest to trace (most of the records are in English) But the Ukrainian and Polish names are an absolute nightmare! And I'm afraid my rudimentary Ukrainian and Polish language skills aren't up to speed.

The most frustrating part of my search so far? My Ukrainian great-grandfather (who couldn't read or write) landed in Quebec, where his naturalization record lists his name as Souvchok. My good friend Serendipity helped me find THAT one!

And my Polish great-grandparents embarked on their journey in Bremen, Germany. I can just imagine the mishmash of mistakes in THOSE records!

We put the dates of a person’s birth and death on a gravestone with only a dash in between to denote their life and contribution. The dash symbolizes our entire lives—the time we have to create meaning for our families, our communities, our countries, the world, and ourselves.

We are more than just a dash. My curiosity drives my need to fill in the details of those who have gone before me. What were their hopes and dreams? Best accomplishments and worst fears? Were they happy? Did they struggle to find peace and happiness?

Lately I find myself wondering what I want that dash to say about me.

~ I want them to know that I loved and was loved.~ I want to be remembered as a thoughtful and giving person who cared about others.~ I want them to know that I want to make a difference in this world. It doesn't have to be a big difference, but just something to make the world a better place than before I got here.~ I want them to know that I took risks. Sometimes they worked out, and sometimes they didn't... but I tried.~ I want them to know that I handled life's difficulties with strength and grace. But I also made sure to be gentle with myself.~ I want them to know that I have no regrets; I accomplished the goals I set for myself.~ I want people to know that I laughed every single day and enjoyed this life to the fullest.

Why a blog?

Family history just fascinates me. And not just my own. There are many facts and people that have been lost to time. I really enjoy puzzles and sometimes I come across some really interesting mysteries in my genealogy travels. I'll post some of my musings here.